West Philadelphia, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Tiger Woods inaugurated the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab at the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus, aiming to enhance educational opportunities for youth. The facility focuses on providing a safe environment for students to learn about STEAM, health, and career readiness. With features like nine classrooms and a music studio, the Lab is set to serve over 4,500 students annually, fostering personal and academic growth in the community. This initiative is part of a broader revitalization project for the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course.
West Philadelphia
Tiger Woods officially inaugurated the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab on September 8, 2025, at the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus. This event attracted notable figures, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, and PGA TOUR Executive Len Brown, marking a significant advancement in educational opportunities in the region.
The TGR Learning Lab, developed in collaboration with the Cobbs Creek Foundation, is an integral part of a $180 million revitalization project for the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course. This newly opened facility is the second of its kind created by Tiger Woods’ non-profit organization, the TGR Foundation; the first Learning Lab was established in Anaheim, California, in 2006.
Woods highlighted the Learning Lab’s mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for students “to learn, grow, and chase their dreams.” Covering 30,000 square feet, the Lab boasts nine classrooms, a multi-purpose room, a music recording and podcast studio, a makerspace, and a Full Swing golf simulator. Since its soft opening earlier in the year, the facility has welcomed over 1,000 twelfth-grade students and is projected to serve more than 4,500 students annually from nearby schools.
Facility Features
- Comprehensive programming: The Learning Lab offers a variety of services, including tutoring, after-school classes, school-day field trips, and workshops focused on college and career readiness.
- Educational Opportunities: With a mission focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), alongside health and well-being, the Lab aims to enhance academic and personal growth.
- Local Impact: The facility is situated within a mile of 10 elementary schools and 19 high schools, making it accessible to a significant number of young people.
Future Developments
Looking forward, a new short golf course designed by Woods’ TGR Design and the Lincoln Financial Center is scheduled to open later this year. Renovations for the Old Course will also begin in 2026, followed by updates to the 9-hole Karakung Course in 2027. These enhancements are part of a broader effort to integrate recreational and educational opportunities for local youth.
Community Commitment
Christopher Maguire, Chairman of the Cobbs Creek Foundation Board of Directors, underscored the importance of the Learning Lab in fostering educational commitment and personal development among students. The facility seeks to eliminate barriers and provide free access to educational resources, ultimately honoring Woods’ mentor, Charlie Sifford, the first Black golfer on the PGA Tour. Governor Shapiro remarked on the significance of celebrating Cobbs Creek’s history as a welcoming space for individuals who have faced past discrimination.
Woods expressed that the primary goal of the TGR Foundation is not merely to cultivate golfers but to foster well-rounded human beings. The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab epitomizes this mission, acting as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the community.
Summary
The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab represents a pivotal investment in education and civic engagement, offering a range of programs aimed at enriching the lives of students in West Philadelphia. With an emphasis on accessibility and personal growth, the facility is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of local youth.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the TGR Learning Lab?
The TGR Learning Lab aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for students to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams. It offers various educational programs and resources to enhance personal and academic development.
How many students will the Learning Lab serve?
The facility is projected to serve more than 4,500 students annually, providing support and educational resources to local youth.
What programs are offered at the TGR Learning Lab?
The Learning Lab offers tutoring, after-school classes, workshops on college and career readiness, school-day field trips, and various educational enrichment opportunities focusing on STEAM and health.
Key Features of the TGR Learning Lab
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility Size | 30,000 square feet |
| Classrooms | 9 classrooms |
| Projected Students Served Annually | 4,500 students |
| Local School Proximity | 10 elementary schools, 19 high schools within 1 mile |
| Programs Offered | Tutoring, college and career readiness, enrichment workshops and classes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tiger Woods Opens New Learning Lab in Philadelphia
Top Golf Courses in Mississippi Highlighted by Golfweek
New Smilow-Woodland TGR Learning Lab Opens at Cobbs Creek Golf Course
West Philadelphia Opens New Golf Educational Facility
Philadelphia Opens TGR Learning Lab for Youth Development
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
